Level Playing Field can offer support, information and advice on a range of topics around disabled spectators access and this is offered to spectators, Clubs, Disabled Supporter Association’s, NGO’s and other interested parties.

Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

This week is the UK’s Crohn’s and Colitis awareness week. These are invisible disabilities that affect over 300,000 people.

For over 300,000 one of the most important aspects when out and about is the availability of a toilet they feel they can use. It is very important for sporting venues to recognise that not every disability is visible.

• 45% of people with some form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease use accessible toilets (Crohn’s & Colitis UK Survey 2018)

• 75% of people say they or a family member with Crohn’s or Colitis have had an accident in public because they couldn’t reach a toilet in time (Crohn’s & Colitis UK Survey 2018)

• 84% of people with Crohn’s or Colitis felt that access to toilets away from home would have an impact on people living with the condition (Crohn’s & Colitis UK Survey 2016)

Crohn’s and Colitis UK ran a campaign over summer ‘Not Every Disability is Visible’, which called on a range of venues to install signage on accessible toilets. The effects this had:

• 80% feel more comfortable visiting places that have the Not Every Disability is Visible signage installed

• 86% of people felt that they, or someone they knew, would feel more comfortable using accessible toilets knowing that the signage Not Every Disability is Visible is installed

• Seeing the Not Every Disability is Visible toilet signs made people with Crohn’s or Colitis feel empowered, at ease and relieved

• 87% of people believe that the Not Every Disability is Visible campaign will help tackle stigma and reduce negativity for people with invisible conditions like Crohn’s or Colitis

• 72% of people felt that the Not Every Disability is Visible signage has helped raise awareness of non-visible conditions like Crohn’s or Colitis

Lack of Awareness:

• 77% of our members think the public have limited or no understanding that the needs of people with Crohn’s and Colitis don’t just relate to the toilet

• 77% of people with Crohn’s or Colitis felt that lack of public awareness would have an impact on people living with the condition

• 95% of people think that the public has little to no understanding of Crohn’s or Colitis

A spokesperson from Crohn’s & Colitis UK said “Thousands of people living with Crohn’s or Colitis have faced stigma and discrimination just for trying to access the accessible toilet facilities they need. This is unacceptable and has to change. This is why we have been calling on businesses to install new accessible toilet signage helping raise awareness that Not Every Disability is Visible. It’s a small sign, that will make a big difference.”

NRAC Auditor and Access and Development Officer Nicky Baker said on behalf of Level Playing Field “We believe that spectators have a right to dignity and respect, especially when using toilet facilities, at sports venues.”

Crohn’s & Colitis UK are calling on all Football Clubs to help their fans and supporters living with invisible disabilities by installing the new accessible toilet signage today. Please visit here or contact Crohn’s & Colitis UK on contact@noteverydisabilityisvisible.org.uk.